In order to develop the whole individual and genuinely prepare our learners for a changing world, we strive as a learning community to nurture our young people's sense of citizenship and to promote their spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development at every opportunity. We also endeavour to ensure that our learners have regular opportunities, both through the curriculum and the wider life of our school, to reflect on and demonstrate the values that underpin British society and life.

Staff

Subject Content: Key Stage 3

At KS3, students will be encouraged to use and apply their knowledge and understanding of citizenship to research and interrogate evidence, debate and evaluate viewpoints before presenting a reasoned argument at the end.

Pupils are taught about:

The rights and responsibilities they and others have as members of our school community and our country;

The different types of relationships, what positive relationships are and what to do should they encounter a negative one;

The development of the political system in the United Kingdom, including the roles of citizens, Parliament and the monarch;

The operation of Parliament, including voting and elections and the role of political parties

The precious liberties enjoyed by the citizens of the United Kingdom ;

The nature of rules, laws and the justice system, including the role of the police and the operation of courts and tribunals;

The roles played by public institutions and voluntary groups in society. This involves the ways in which citizens work together to improve their communities, including opportunities to participate in school-based activities;

The functions and uses of money, the importance and practice of budgeting and managing risk;

The dangers of smoking, drugs and alcohol and how to manage choices surrounding these substances;

The qualities required for different job roles and routes for different careers;

The skills needed for successful team work

Attainment targets and Assessment

Assessments have been designed to mirror the GCSE exam format and assess the key skill requirements at KS4

Schemes of work at KS3 have been designed to support students’ development and link to the GCSE course structure.

Students have 1 lesson of citizenship a week.

Opportunities

The citizenship department encourages students to get involved with extra-curricular events and enrichment activities. Community involvement events, placements and opportunities are run throughout the year.